KC concerts Dec. 19-25: Angels & Airwaves, Cold War Kids, Jeezy, Trampled Under Foot

Tom DeLonge played an integral role in the popularization of pop-punk as a founding member of Blink-182. He and Mark Hoppus co-wrote Blink-182 hits like “What’s My Age Again?” DeLonge’s avid interest in extraterrestrial life – an inclination detailed on the Blink-182 song “Aliens Exist” – has made headlines since his departure from the band. DeLonge’s affinity for cosmic phenomena is reflected in the music he creates with Angels & Airwaves, a band specializing in a nuanced form of pop-punk. With Badflower and Search & Seizure. 816-283-9900. Tickets are $29.65 through arvestbanktheatre.com.

New York-based Cody Critcheloe championed Kansas City in a 2016 interview by noting “there’s legit, cool, freaky weirdos hanging out and doing stuff.” He would know. The influential musician and visual artist began performing as Ssion while living in Kansas City in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Critcheloe has since overseen the creation of compelling music videos that challenge conventional assumptions about gender, including the visuals for Perfume Genius’ “Queen” and his own experimental dance-pop song “Earthquake.” With Bath Consolidated. 816-753-5207. Tickets are $13 through therecordbar.com.

Cold War Kids are a reliable bellwether of the evolution of indie-rock during the past dozen years. The California band’s 2007 breakout hit, “Hang Me Up to Dry,” is a blast of bluesy rock in the tradition of the Rolling Stones. Cold War Kids’ latest single, “Waiting for Your Love,” is a frothy dance track that differs little from the hits of pop mainstays like Maroon 5. The soulful vocals of Nathan Willett link the band’s bygone rough-and-tumble approach to its current glossy incarnation. With Lovelytheband, She Wants Revenge and Berwanger. 816-283-9900. Tickets are $29.65 through arvestbanktheatre.com.

Three typically furious Radkey nuggets were recently added to the popular Spotify playlist Skatepark Punks. “Rock & Roll Homeschool” was among the Radkey tracks that streamed alongside songs by punk stalwarts Bad Religion and Hot Water Music. The inclusion verified Radkey’s status as one of the most prominent rock bands to emerge from the Kansas City area in the past decade. The three brothers inspired by the Misfits and the Ramones will attempt to incite a mosh pit at RecordBar. With The Many Colored Death and Last Import. 816-753-5207. Tickets are $12 through therecordbar.com.

Marcus Lewis’ spirit of generosity and warm smile make him one of the most popular members of Kansas City’s jazz community. Although his concert at the Blue Room won’t be dominated by seasonal music, every component of the vibrant mix of conventional big band selections, holiday classics and rapping by Kadesh Flow and Kemet the Phantom will be imbued with the good cheer associated with Lewis. Contributions from saxophonist Bobby Watson and vocalist Paula Saunders will complement the revelry. 816-474-8463. Cover charge $10. americanjazzmuseum.org.

Reunions of the Kansas City blues-rock band Trampled Under Foot are always special occasions. The family band named for a Led Zeppelin song earned an international following for its powerhouse attack before splintering. This concert is a benefit for Jan Faircloth, a beloved area drummer who once filled in for Kris Schnebelen in Trampled Under Foot. The blues-rock community is rallying around Faircloth’s battle with cancer. With Katy Guillen and The Drive, Dust Devil Choir, Levee Town and Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders. 816-483-1456. Tickets are $49.50-$250 through knuckleheadskc.com.

Walmart recently apologized for selling a novelty Christmas sweater depicting Santa celebrating the season by consuming cocaine. The image is emblazoned with the phrase “let it snow.” The kerfuffle reminded rap fans of the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeezy’s use of a malevolent snowman as his logo. Although his given name is Jay Wayne Jenkins, the rapper’s nickname of Snowman alludes to his gritty tales of drug trafficking on hits including “Soul Survivor.” With Mozzy and OMB Peezy. 816-753-8665. Tickets are $58-$65 through uptowntheater.com.

The Kansas City band Other Americans characterizes its music as “opulent splendor-core.” In more prosaic terms, the band of veteran musicians revives the wondrously garish glory days of MTV. Other Americans’ standout melodic pop-rock song “Neon Sunrise” resides at the intersection of Missing Persons’ “Destination Unknown” and Pat Benatar’s “We Belong.” With Monta at Odds, Emmaline Twist and Pageant Boys. 816-753-5207. Tickets are $10 through therecordbar.com.

This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 7:00 AM with the headline "KC concerts Dec. 19-25: Angels & Airwaves, Cold War Kids, Jeezy, Trampled Under Foot."